Mirian Gom 
Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani
KADUNA, Nigeria – Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has raised concerns about deepening financial exclusion in northern Nigeria, warning that millions remain unable to benefit from social intervention programmes because they do not possess bank accounts.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), led by its Board of Trustees Chairman Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu on Sunday, the governor argued that the North has the human resources required for transformation but lacks coordinated leadership to deploy them effectively.
“For years, we have spoken about poverty, education gaps and health deficits. It is time to stop complaining and start acting,” he said. He noted that the region hosts thousands of accomplished professionals whose collective expertise remains under-utilised.
Sani commended the ACF for shifting from advocacy to practical development strategies, including its proposed Central Endowment Fund, which he advised should prioritise skills acquisition to “make our people self-reliant.”
Highlighting structural gaps, the governor noted that despite having over 4,000 bank branches nationwide, only Kaduna and Kano boast around 100 each. “Some southern states with far smaller populations have more bank branches than Kano’s 44 local governments,” he added.
Earlier, Dalhatu announced that the ACF delegation was in Kaduna to formally notify the governor of its upcoming 25th anniversary celebrations, scheduled for 20–22 November. He thanked Sani for allocating permanent office space to the forum for the first time in its history.
Dalhatu said ACF’s renewed engagement plan includes reaching out to traditional and religious leaders, federal lawmakers and regional groups to strengthen national unity. “We want to begin sustained dialogue with our brothers and sisters in the South,” he said.
The former Minister of Steel Development also disclosed that the Sultan of Sokoto and key northern institutions had pledged support for the ACF’s new roadmap.
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Chukwu Obinna 
